How I Made Best Friends With My Breast Pump

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When it comes to maternity leave here in the States, I was blessed to have 18 weeks at home with my daughter before returning to work. And on that fateful winter day at the end of my leave, I placed my sweet girl into her nanny's arms, slung my purse over my shoulder, and scooped up my new best friend — my breast pump.

By choice, I worked four 10-hour days each week in order to have long weekends with my family. This also meant that I spent four days tucked away in a spare office pumping breast milk for my baby. It was both my favorite and most dreaded time of the day. I truly disliked pumping — it is so mechanical. But I knew that maintaining my supply was super important, so in the end I was happy to play cow twice a day. Jemma's nanny brought her to my office to nurse during my lunch break each day, so I had a total of eight pumping sessions each week. Each morning and afternoon I would hook up, relax, and watch the milk flow.

During my pumping days I gathered a number of tips and tricks for pumping more milk, and from one milk mama to another, I'm happy to share some of the things that helped maintain my supply while continuing my breastfeeding relationship with my daughter during my off hours.

First things first, in order to pump well you've got to understand some of the science behind breastfeeding. While you're pregnant, I highly recommend reading The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding and Nursing Mother, Working Mother. That way, after your little one is born, you'll have the information tucked away in your mind and you can reference your books when you need a refresher.

Next, focus on a milk-friendly diet. To build and maintain a quality milk supply, you've got to eat enough calories and fuel your body so you can fuel your baby. Make sense? Nutrient dense, real foods are key and you can be strategic by adding in galactagogues. Drink water like it's going out of style too — a minimum of half your body weight in ounces (for example, a 180-pound mama should drink no less than 90 ounces of water, most likely more).

Then, set the pumping stage for success. For me, I needed a quiet room where I knew I would have privacy. It helped me relax and relaxation was crucial for a decent letdown. This hands-free pumping bra let me pump and read or continue working, which also aided in the relaxation factor. More than anything a quality pump is a must — it is after all, your workhorse. This one is one of the only pumps endorsed by the WHO and it is also approved for multiple users which means you can buy it second hand and resell it in good faith when you are done pumping.

Most of all, choose to be in a positive frame of mind when you pump. This is definitely the hardest component of pumping, but I promise, it makes a difference. Know that whether you pump a half ounce or 10 ounces, you're a rockstar. I'll say it again, you are a rockstar! Pumping isn't easy so keep the big picture in mind — you're making a sacrifice for your child, both by being at work and by pumping. It's worth it and you can do it!

And now, the nitty gritty little things that made my pumping life easier:

-I used the right size of flanges. Yep, those different flange sizes actually mean something and the right fitting ones will make all the difference in both comfort and milk output.

-Your pump most likely has a suction dial. I played around with it when I first hooked up, slightly wiggling it back and forth — this mimiced my baby's initial strong suck to trigger a letdown.

-I pumped as often as my baby would nurse. That meant every 2-3 hours in those early months.

-In addition to eating well, if needed, I took milk producing supplements like fenugreek, milk thistle, and goats rue. Essential oils like clary sage, geranium, and fennel can also increase milk supply in some moms. Just be sure to ask your practioner before you take anything.

-I'd track my output, not so I'd stress about numbers, but to track trends. Here's a peek at some of my results and what I learned.

-I'd remember that less pumped milk didn't necessarily mean that I was making less milk. Your body will most likely respond differently to a pump than it does to your baby.

-I learned to hand express as this was a valuable way to get a little more milk if my body stopped responding to the pump.

-I spent the money on a lactation consultant. They are mountains of wisdom, help, and support.

-I dove into the breastfeeding and pumping community and found my tribe through La Leche League and a bevy of Facebook groups. These can both give and receive support.

-I took my work spouse on my pumping journey — my dear, single bestie at work watched my back while I was on pumping breaks and lightened by spirit by jokingly asking for some of my cream for her coffee :)

Are you a pumping mama? What tips and tricks have you learned throughout your breastfeeding/pumping days?

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